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Shadow and Bone
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Bardugo, Leigh; Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) - Buddy Read - Start date August 10, 2013
message 2:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 14, 2013 12:18AM)
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rated it 4 stars
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August 10 - Chapters 'Before'- 4
August 11 - Chapters 5-8
August 12 - Chapters 9-13
August 13 - Chapters 14-19
August 14 - Chapters 20-'After'
Novella #0.5 The Grisha can be read for free
Novella #1.5 The Tailor Do not read before Shadow and Bone as contains spoilers is available as a free read
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(The Grisha #0.5) and then go straight into this book?Is this date ok? I'm flexible with dates in August except I am away from Aug 1-9
Karen wrote: "Should we read (The Grisha #0.5) and then go straight into this book?Is this date ok? I'm flexible with dates in August except I am away from Aug 1-9"
Is Aug 10 too early for you to start if it's just the day after you get back?
I don't know if Grisha 0.5 is an ebook only format but if it is, I'm going to have trouble starting there because I don't have any ebook reader to read it on. I don't mind if that's the case, though.
I'll read this one. The author just visited Tampa and we got the first and second books signed by her. No we need to read them. :)
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Aug 10 is ok for me, but I'm flexible with what others would prefer
It would be great to read - definitely up for it and the date sounds fine at the moment!
That date seems fine for me.
Yay! Of dear l can't believe I'm this excited about a book I'm not going to get to read for almost two months :D
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Nicole wrote: "I don't know if Grisha 0.5 is an ebook only format but if it is, I'm going to have trouble starting there because I don't have any ebook reader to read it on. I don't mind if that's the case, though."If you buy from Amazon you can read it on a phone or computer using their app.
Thanks for the FYI. I will consider doing that :)
I'm ok with almost every date in August, so feel free to set it :)
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I'll post a suggested reading schedule prior to the read. I'm very excited!
I would like to join for this book reading. hopefully I can find the ebook cheap. lol I'm super excited!
I'm excited for this! I've owned the book for awhile but I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet!
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I recently bought this book! Could I join?
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I bought this a few months ago and haven't started yet. Would love to join the buddy read.
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Who's excited? This girl!!
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Me! Me!
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If my kindle fibbed, I can adjust the schedule accordingly!
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message 29:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 10, 2013 12:45AM)
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rated it 4 stars
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1. Did you read the Witch of Duva novella? (you can read it for free . What did you think?
2. What are your initial thoughts on the book? Do you like the writing style?
3. Alina and Mal grew up togetheras benefactors of Duke Keramsov and we know they were tested for Grisha at the age of eight. Do you have any theories on why Alina was not known to be a grisha then? A few times she has referred to a scar on her palm - could that be relevant?
4. The Shadow Fold sounds pretty scary, especially the Volcra scene. I was surprised when Alexei was taken. Comments?
5. I like the descriptions of the different types of Grisha, although I think it will take a while to remember what each one means. It also seems to be alot of prejudice (class structure) in their society. Do you think this will impact on the "friendship" between Anila and Mal?
6. The Darkling seems intimidating, but is also trying to look after Alina. Do you forsee a friendship or something more, on the horizon between him and Alina?
7. The Fjerdans tried to attack pretty quickly. It seems like Alina will need to learn how to use her "powers" soon! And another glimpse at the Darkling's powers...
I also have it on Kindle, so that schedule sounds good to me. I'm finishing up Gods of Gotham now and then going straight to this one. I'll be back later with my answers.
August 10 - Chapters 'Before'-41. Did you read the Witch of Duva novella? What did you think?
I did. Thanks for the link! That's quite a dark tale to be passed around - cleaved fingers and sexual predators...yowza. It was interesting, but I'm wondering how it factors into the world. Are Grisha descended from the witch?
2. What are your initial thoughts on the book? Do you like the writing style?
I absolutely love this so far. I love the Russian style fantasy, the caste based magic wielders, the average girl hiding a secret, and the beginnings of two very promising love interests. It was hard for me to stop reading!
3. Alina and Mal grew up together as benefactors of Duke Keramsov and we know they were tested for Grisha at the age of eight. Do you have any theories on why Alina was not known to be a grisha then? A few times she has referred to a scar on her palm - could that be relevant?
I assume that she did what she had to in order to stay with Mal. Whether she consciously failed it or not, I think she was trying to protect them from being separated and so mirrored him in the test. The last lines of the prologue implied a fierce defense and so that's how I interpreted it. Or maybe she's just a late bloomer. lol. Having read the novella I'm wondering if the scar is related to the test as you suggest.
4. The Shadow Fold sounds pretty scary, especially the Volcra scene. I was surprised when Alexei was taken. Comments?
I was sad to see him go so soon. What an incredible scene, though! It was very powerful, and I even welled up when I thought Mal was dying. His last words hit me right in the heart.
5. I like the descriptions of the different types of Grisha, although I think it will take a while to remember what each one means. It also seems to be alot of prejudice (class structure) in their society. Do you think this will impact on the "friendship" between Alina and Mal?
I wondered that too. I think it will put a wrench in things, for sure. I liked having the list of Grisha types at the front, and each time they use the names and colors of cloaks and trim details I make a mental note. I should put it on a notecard or something! Red/black, soldier. Red/silver, healer. Blue/silver, wind. Blue/orange, fire. Purple, creator. Etc.
6. The Darkling seems intimidating, but is also trying to look after Alina. Do you forsee a friendship or something more, on the horizon between him and Alina?
I think he's going to be the third part of our love triangle! Intimidating, bit also protective, so not totally scary.
7. The Fjerdans tried to attack pretty quickly. It seems like Alina will need to learn how to use her "powers" soon! And another glimpse at the Darkling's powers...
I wonder what the rest of his powers are. He's perhaps the most multifaceted? Capable of many things not as easily categorized? Or maybe he can do them all and he runs all of their training into their specializations. It's all so fascinating and I want to keep reading!
Mod
1. Great reimagining of Hansel and Gretel I thought! No idea if it ties into this novel, but I guess is just a folk tale based in the same world
2. same here :)
3. You could be right. I think she will "grow up" now being away from him actually
5. I have been highlighting them on my kindle so I can find them again! :)
6. love triangle... sigh... ;)
7. I am really loking forward to knowing more about him!
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message 34:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 11, 2013 09:52PM)
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rated it 4 stars
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8. Alina is an interesting character. At times she seems naieve (still struggling to accept she is a Grisha), and others she seems quite strong and quite funny "I was so furious I wanted to smack him on the back of his head. And if I hadn't just seen him cut a man in half, I might have just done that". What are your impressions of Alina?
9. The Darkling is about 120 years old! He is the most powerful Grisha in a world where other countries burn, sell, or "carve up" Grisha. His great great grandfather is also responsible for the Shadow Fold. So although in Ravka he is intimidating, it seems to me he is in a vunerable position of the Ravka king changes his attitude to Grisha and/or the Darkling. Thoughts?
10.Os Atla and the Grand Palace reminded me alot of St Petersburg. Could you picture the palace and the grounds? I wonder if he will discovery what awful secrets are in the anatomy rooms?
11. Genya seems like she may be a good ally to have in the palace. She mentions "you don't want to atract too much attention from the King". Do you think there is something happening between her and the King?
12. More comparisons to pre-revolution Russia with the peasants and serfs going without while the palace and it's inhabitants live in luxury. Perhaps a revolution is on the cards in the future?
13. The Apparat seems pretty creepy. Predictions on his role?
14. Did you agree with Alina's decision to refuse to wear the Darkling's colours?
15. I wonder if Alina has finally accepted she is a sun summoner? Until she does Baghra has some work ahead of her I think!
August 11 - Chapters 5-88. Alina is an interesting character. At times she seems naieve (still struggling to accept she is a Grisha), and others she seems quite strong and quite funny "I was so furious I wanted to smack him on the back of his head. And if I hadn't just seen him cut a man in half, I might have just done that". What are your impressions of Alina?
I have the same thoughts! She has some great one liners that make me laugh out loud, but then she can be so meek and insecure that I wonder where that confident and fun loving girl comes from. She's great, though. I just love her.
9. The Darkling is about 120 years old! He is the most powerful Grisha in a world where other countries burn, sell, or "carve up" Grisha. His great great grandfather is also responsible for the Shadow Fold. So although in Ravka he is intimidating, it seems to me he is in a vunerable position of the Ravka king changes his attitude to Grisha and/or the Darkling. Thoughts?
I also wondered why he seemed so unconcerned about the threat against him from the other countries/factions. Isn't he worried about being assassinated? Maybe he is really hard to kill.
10. Os Atla and the Grand Palace reminded me alot of St Petersburg. Could you picture the palace and the grounds? I wonder if he will discovery what awful secrets are in the anatomy rooms?
I'm not that familiar with St. Petersburg, but I thought the descriptions were so vivid and beautiful. I love how immersed I feel in this world, and I really love the Russian influence. How nice not to have a medieval European derived fantasy setting!
I'm also curious about the anatomy rooms. Twice now they've been highlighted, so I feel like we're getting set up for them to play a part later on in the story.
11. Genya seems like she may be a good ally to have in the palace. She mentions "you don't want to atract too much attention from the King". Do you think there is something happening between her and the King?
That and the fact they told her to lock her door makes me think he's a bit of a pervy guy. It would also explain the Queen's comments and animosity to Genya.
12. More comparisons to pre-revolution Russia with the peasants and serfs going withought while the palace and it's inhabitants live in luxury. Perhaps a revolution is on the cards in the future?
That's a good possibility, although we haven't sensed much unrest. It seems like the peasantry don't really know the extent of the luxury at the palace. Diamond and jade trees?!
13. The Apparat seems pretty creepy. Predictions on his role?
Good question! I have no idea, but definitely not to be trusted I think.
14. Did you agree with Alina's decision to refuse to wear the Darkling's colours?
I see her point, and it fits her character, but I wanted her to wear the black.
15. I wonder if Alina has finally accepted she is a sun summoner? Until she does Baghra has some work ahead of her I think!
It seems more likely that her power was just untapped and not purposely hidden like I thought. Why is it coming out now? I agree that this training period i looking to be mighty difficult on her!
Mod
8. I do too. I hope she gets stronger and more confident as we go on
10. Totally! I just looked up the writer and she was born in Israel, but lives in LA, so even cooler that she picked this setting.
And I think there is a dark underbelly somewhere....
11. True
12. It may be setting something up for later books. Seems unrealistic that kind of "class difference" can continue
15. I guess in a life and death situation (on the boat) it just came out without her thinking. I hope we find out soon!
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16. Marie and Nadia are trying to be Alina's friends although she says "(they) were definitely making me want to punch something." What do you think of these two characters?
17. The Apparat's motives don't seem any clearer. "I think it is because the Grisha do not suffer the way the Saints suffer, the way the people suffer" Is he part of a stiring rebellion? Do you think his later words to Alina were a threat or a warning? ("You are becoming dangerous, and you will become more dangerous still")
18. The fight with Zoya ended unexpectedly. Do you think she is a threat to Alina or just jealous and mostly harmless?
19. I can't wait to find out if they are able to find Morozova's herd! Predictions?
20. We discover why Alina was not found to be a Grisha when she was eight. She must be very powerful to have been able to push down her powers like that?
21. The love triangle begins! Did you like the kiss? Why do you think Mal is not responding to her letters? Is he receiving them? Are the responses being held from her by someone? Or is he deliberately not answering?
Man-oh-man! I have this one checked out from the library. I just haven't been able to get to it.
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22.The Darkling ensures that Alina's new robes are black so now she really stands out! Is that a good thing?
23.Genya says that the Darkling is "as much a slave to the whims of the King as the rest of us. At least for now". What does that mean?
24. What did you tink of the party and the "demonstration"? It seems that Alina is now enjoying this new life and fame
25. Alina said that when with the Dakling she felt desire and anger. What does that mean?
26. The Apparat really wanted to speak with Alina. I wish she had spoken to him! I have a feeling he knows something bad is about to happen. Do you think he knows the Darkling's plans?
27. Did you see the twist coming with the Darkling? Would you have trusted Baghra?
28. Although it was a rocky reunion, Mal is now helping Alina and has admitted his feelings. I have to admit I loved this bit "I'm sorry it took me so long to see you Alina, but I see you now". Do you like Mal?
29. It seems they walked into the Darkling's trap (I was so annoyed that Alina didn't kill the stag before the Darkling! )and David helped to fashion the collar (did you notice it is no longer called a necklace?). Predictions for the last part of the book?
Ugh. ŷ just ate my comments and I'm too tired to go back and type them up again. I'll come back tomorrow.
Mod
I read this book a few days ago, but as I jump into the discussion a little bit late, I need some time to process the questions and write the answers, so I want to give my overall impression to begin with.I really liked the book, I felt gripped by the story and really liked the world created by the author, I also liked the conflicts and alliences between the characters, and this neverending fight between evil and good. The thing that annoyed me a little, were the names taken from Russian and inserted into a fantasy world like they belonged to an imaginary language, an artificial one, invented by the author, but perhaps this is only in contrast to my taste :). All in all, I will definitely read the second part and wait for the final. Tomorrow I will try to post some more detailed thoughts :)
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But that is perhaps just my imagination and not at all what was intended! haha
Karen, I didn't think about this world as an alternative pre-revolutionary, but I really like this idea, it definitely helps me to overcome this annoyance with the names, I will stick to it through the next part :)
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30. Genya seems to be on the Dakling's "side" and the Apparat has taken the King's place. I was really surprised by this. Were you?
31. We now understand the scar on Alina's palm. I think I'm getting all mushy, but I really loved that explanation!
32. After so much tension, I was very excited and happy when Alina was able to call her power "It was nothing. He was nothing" Thoughts?
33.So apparently the Apparat has didsappeared and so has the Darkling. I wonder what has happened to them, and Genya? I loved the ending as it was a cliffhanger, but not a huge ridiculous one. What did you think of the end?
34. Final thoughts on the book? How would you rate it?
And finally...I found book 1.5 "The Tailor" available as a free read. It is Genya's point of view. I loved it!
Sorry I had to drop out for a bit there. I had a houseguest again and needed to fit in some other tower challenge books before I could finish this one. I'm through chapter 16 now and should be back to post answers on the 3rd and 4th sections tomorrow.
Mod
I'm impressed that you could stop reading!
Wow, me too :), I just flew through the book forgetting about dinner for my family and laundry LOL. But still, there are some things that might compete with this book I presume :)
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Gathering Dark (other topics)Siege and Storm (other topics)
The Witch of Duva (other topics)
The Witch of Duva (other topics)
Shadow and Bone (other topics)
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What is a buddy read?
Synopsis
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.
Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?
The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?
Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.